(a) whether tourist spots are not being developed despite ample scope of tourism in Bihar and North-Eastern India;
(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to promote tourism in the said regions?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) & (b): Under its schemes viz., Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) and “Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits in the Country, Swadesh Darshan (SD)" Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance for infrastructure development and beautification of pilgrim centres/tourist places on receipt of suitable DPRs from the respective State Governments/Union Territories, subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilisation certificate against the fund released earlier and adherence to the relevant scheme guidelines.
Details of the projects sanctioned by Ministry of Tourism, based on the proposals received from State Governments of Bihar and North-Eastern States is annexed.
(c): Ministry of Tourism undertakes promotional activities in domestic and international markets through its schemes of ‘Domestic Promotion & Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH)’ and Overseas Promotion & Publicity Including Market Development Assistance (OPMD). Under these schemes, Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination under the Incredible India brand-line. As part of its on-going activities, the Ministry releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country including North East and Bihar.
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